Every
day, Houston’s McReynolds Middle School grows young minds. Growing lush trees
to provide relief from the hot sun, however, can be a much slower process.

With
one mature tree on campus, these middle schoolers don’t necessarily have it
“made in the shade” when they emerge from class. Thanks to the talents of
students from the University of Houston’s Gerald D. Hines College of
Architecture, McReynolds students soon will have a cool new addition to their
school.

The
college’s Graduate Design Build Studio (GDBS) is creating a solar shade tree
for the school. This galvanized steel “tree” will provide students with a
shaded area with seating that is perfect for socializing and studying.
Overlooking McReynolds’ two competition soccer fields, the solar shade tree has
another cool factor: two solar-powered ceiling fans. Four solar panels (150
watts each) will power the fans, as well as lighting. The structure will be
nearly 13 feet wide, 44 feet long and 12 feet in height. It is scheduled to be
installed by Aug. 9 and will compliment several young trees that are starting
to take shape at McReynolds, as well as the school’s older live oak.

“This will be a structure that students will
gravitate to,” said Patrick Peters, director of the GDBS. “It also will be a
space that teachers will use. Our team has met with several teachers from
McReynolds, who are anxious to use this structure as a space for learning and
as a basis for various lessons.”

This
is the 22nd annual project undertaken by Peters and his GDBS
students. Each year, the studio concentrates on contributing
community-enhancing structures to schools, parks and non-profit organizations.

Communities
benefit from structures such as this year’s solar shade tree, and so do the
first year graduate students that comprise the studio. These students don’t
just conceptualize GDBS projects; they actively build and install every
structure. Likewise, they manage every aspect of each project including
budgets, permits and logistics.

“We
have a part in everything that goes into building a structure,” said GDBS student
Ryan Slattery, who is among the students overseeing the budget for the solar
shade tree. “We’ve gone from simple diagrams to complex drawings to putting our
hands on the materials and working with vendors and engineers.”

In
addition to receiving hands-on experience, GDBS students learn how to apply
their respective talents to the final product. Many studio students come from non-architectural
academic backgrounds and must utilize different skills during the project’s
development. Slattery received his undergraduate degree in political science
and said that his negotiating talents have come in handy during the budget
process.

“We’re learning a lot in this studio,” said
GDBS student Bricio Vasquez. “But, this project is for the McReynolds students.
They’re going to define what this structure will mean to their school. I’m just
glad we can provide this service to them.”